Motorcycle Rentals in Astypalaia

Picture leaving the harbour at Pera Gialos behind you, the road climbing straight up toward the castle, and within minutes you're looking down over Chora's white cubist houses and the Aegean beyond. That's the appeal of getting around Astypalaia on two wheels: one morning you're at the base of the Astypalaia Castle, the next you're bumping down a dirt track toward a cove nobody bothered to pave a road to. A motorcycle rental in Astypalaia turns a scattered island into a single, easy loop.

This island isn't built for cars, and it doesn't need to be. Astypalaia is shaped like a butterfly, with Chora and its handful of paved roads on one wing and the quiet Vathy inlets on the other, joined only by the narrow isthmus at Steno. Buses barely exist outside the port, distances between beaches are short but the roads are steep, narrow and often gravel once you're past the main village — exactly the terrain where a scooter or small motorcycle earns its keep, getting you to places a rental car simply can't reach.

Top 10 things to see in Astypalaia (Chora) by motorcycle

1. Astypalaia Castle (Querini Castle), Chora — the whitewashed hilltop fortress overlooking Chora and the harbor, the island's signature view and a short climb from the port.
2. Panagia Portaitissa Church — a blue-domed chapel built right into the castle walls, one of the most photographed corners of the island.
3. Livadi Beach — the island's busiest sandy beach, a quick ride from Chora with tavernas lining the shore.
4. Vatses Beach — a remote cove reached by a dirt descent through dramatic cliffs, a proper ride rather than a stroll.
5. Kaminakia Beach — tucked at the end of a rough coastal track, a favourite ride-and-swim destination.
6. Analipsi (Maltezana) — a fishing village with Roman mosaic ruins and calm water, a pleasant coastal ride east of Chora.
7. Mesa Nisi — a small islet near Maltezana joined to the shore by a sandy strip, a popular stop to swim and take photos.
8. Vathy (Exo Vathy and Mesa Vathy) — twin fjord-like inlets on the island's far northeastern arm, the classic long ride to the "other half" of Astypalaia.
9. Pera Gialos, Chora harbor — the windmill-lined waterfront where most rides naturally begin and end.
10. Steno, the isthmus — the narrow strip linking the island's two wings, the crossing every ride toward Vathy has to pass through.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Astypalaia (Chora)?

For a 50cc scooter, category AM is enough and the minimum age is 16, though rental companies often prefer riders a little older. Anything from 125cc up requires a matching motorcycle licence — A1, A2 or A depending on power — and a standard car licence won't be accepted as a substitute. Non-EU visitors should bring an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence. Expect to leave a deposit, usually held on a credit card, with the amount set by the individual rental company.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Astypalaia (Chora)?

A basic 50cc scooter runs EUR 20–25 per day in low season and EUR 35–45 in high season, while larger scooters or small motorcycles go for EUR 45–60 per day at peak times. If you'd rather explore on something bigger, or fancy a quad for the dirt tracks down to Vatses or Kaminakia, budget EUR 55–75 per day in summer.

• Prices climb steadily from spring, peaking in July and August alongside demand.
• April, May and October sit in the shoulder season, with noticeably cheaper rates and less competition for the good bikes.
• Many rental shops close for winter, so don't expect availability much before Easter.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Astypalaia (Chora)?

High season runs July to August, when scooters and quads sell out fast and prices sit at their highest — book a few weeks ahead if you're travelling then. Low season stretches from November to March, but most operators simply shut down over winter, so April–May and September–October are really your best window: fewer crowds, milder heat, and rates well below the summer peak.

Local traffic rules in Astypalaia (Chora)

Greece drives on the right. Helmets are mandatory for rider and passenger alike, and police do check, with fines that aren't small. Speed limits top out at 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on the open road, though on Astypalaia's narrow, hilly lanes you'll rarely get close to that. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l generally but a stricter 0.2 g/l applies to motorcyclists, so it's simplest to just leave the wine for dinner after you've parked. Keep in mind that rental insurance almost always excludes unpaved roads and beaches, so the dirt tracks down to Vatses or Kaminakia are ridden at your own risk. Carry your licence, IDP and rental papers with you at all times.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!